The grip tightens. "Tell me anyways, please."

*we dont know anything else!*

"Are you certain? Would you risk your life on it?"

*yes!* he yelled.

They're let go of. The chill of the hands feels as if it's still there.

he rubbed his neck, feeling odd.

The lights turn on, and they're released from their bindings. Now that they can see, they see it's not rope- it's vines. The vines gleam unnaturally in the light, and are much thicker and more saturated than any natural plant.



Towering above them, dark rose eye narrowed, is a one-eyed strix. His left eye is covered by a small eyepatch clearly meant for a human. He's wearing a neat pastel-blue suit with a rust-colored shirt underneath, with desaturated mauve dress pants. His feathery 'hair' is a thick swoop that falls to one side, partially covering his bad eye. His tail is long and vaguely curled at the end, the feathers trimmed to meet at even points. He seems a lot more... put together than the others.

they were terrified.

He points at the door. "Leave."

they did.